Welcome to New Rajdoot Bike: Just when we thought the motorcycle which defined Indian roads had passed it completely into the twilight of an iconic status, an ace has come to save the brand.
Rajdoot has been missing from the collective consciousness of contemporary riders for ages now, but the legendary motorcycle is poised for a resounding comeback with this fresh take.
Raj will make its return as a ramped up motorcycle from very well-above average production aptly referred to as a “dhakad engine”, and imbued with a design language that shall combine vintage charm with state of the art fashion.
Reintroducing this trooper motorcycle is much more than just another motorcycle launch; it restores a genuine vehicle that Indian motorcycle enthusiasts have loved for decades across generations.
Rajdoot: The Exalted History & Heritage
Rajdoot is one of the famous motorcycle brand in India having its origin back to the 60s when Escorts Group and Yamaha Motor Company had floated a joint venture
Rajdoot 175, called by his or her enthusiast as “Rajdoot Ranger” the original became an instant icon because it enable millions of middle class families in India motorcycling for the first time, due in part to its classic design, exceptional reliability and affordability.
During the 70s and 80s, the Rajdoot was a common sight on Indian roads as it could be used for pretty much everything from lorry to personal transport and “delivery bike” model is standard fare in many Indian cities or towns.
The reputation of the motorcycle as a near indestructible artifact grew so large that it was backed by decades of service, with numerous examples still running relatively well decades after leaving the factory: an example of why the original Rajdoot was indeed an engineering legend.
Ownership and Revival Plan
Upon ownership, new needs to be said upon the re-entry of Rajdoot under ‘ new name’ that now hold the franchise rights for this celebrated motorcycle brand to come back with a story to tell in the top tier-of-the-market segment.
The re-invention is a big budget affair that calls for massive investments on R&D — the team consists mostly veterans from the business and some of the younger engineers adding fresh blood to the process.
The process of design was heavily based on extensive market research that determined the balance of actually being respectful to what defined the original Rajdoot yet also ensured modern rider demands in performance/character/features/reliability.
New owners have wisely seen that trading on nostalgia would be meaningless and the new Rajdoot is going to have to do more than sound the same to succeed, while still paying tribute to what makes it so valuable in the first place.
Dhakad Engine: Super Powerful Propulsion
At the core of the new Rajdoot lays an in-house developed and power harnessed all-new engine that is aimed at perfectly synthesising performance, reliability along character both.
Engine is a 350cc single-cylinder producing about 30 horsepower and 32Nm torque that sit it nicely with the established names in the retro motorcycle segment.
The motorcycle delivers performance, yet stable high level of refinement and engine block refinement to meet modern expectations concerning refinement, endurance, as well functional capabilities that the “dhakad” description demands advanced technologies like liquid cooling, DOHC setup and four valve combustion chamber.
The engine has been machined in such a way that it sounds special with care taken for torque delivery and sound – two touch points that characterize the riding experience and the emotional bond.
Design Language — Preserving the Tradition of Good Looks into the Present Age
The visual way they have tried to reinvent the Rajdoot in their own hands is a classic example of restrained elegance, taking only what it needs away from the origin and producing a motorcycle that may be new at heart but carries within itself all finesse to do so.
With some tweaks, the fuel tank (arguably the best visible hallmark of the initial Rajdoot) comes back keeping its unique riding ergonomics and form factor the visual distinction it always was.
Classic headlamps at the apex position that look like they are part of the original model and integrated now-with LED lighting arrays to deliver superior light further enhanced by safety and style.
The seat arrangement follows the distinctive elongated, flat profile of the first bike but uses contemporary ergonomics and materials to substantially improve comfort for both rider and passenger on long rides.
Chassis & Handling: The old meets the new in modern fashion
The chassis architecture of the all-new Rajdoot goes that extra mile doing a clean-sheet from the ground up, for precise handling and confidence to the rider while preserving some skin-heritance elements.
Boasting a clean sheet of paper on chassis architecture and powered by cutting-edge design, materials and manufacture methods the new Rajdoot architecture perhaps carry more visual DNA from original yet increases torsional rigidity so far beyond that which was physically possible on a bike when last legally ridden.
The tubular steel frame is the base, with a contemporary layout and materials configurations for massive increase in torsional rigidity over during the original Rajdoot period
Though we are talking suspension components this time, the front is conventional telescopic forks to preserve historical appearance but contains advanced internals that offer superior dampening and trailability besides of what was available with original fully adjustable oil shocks.
Rear suspension uses dedicated twin shock absorbers, which is an evolution of the original design with gas-charged delivering improved ride qualities and active spring rate that introduces enhanced comfort plus control.
Integration of Technology (Thoughtful 21st Century Comforts)
Drawing from its roots and heritage, the new Rajdoot comes loaded with thoughtfully selected modern tech elements that improves ownership experiences without sacrificing the motorcycle’s soul.
The entire lighting system is LED, offering superior light throughput & visual cues and lower electrical load than with conventional lighting solution.
Modern aesthetics meet vintage simplicity as a digital/analog instrument cluster provides the basics to read engine speed, gear gear, fuel level, trip data through an interface that suits both the vintage looks and contemporary functionality.
Using a mix of vintage cabinetry to maintain the classic but functional lay-out and contemporary automotive abilities, The digital-analog instrument cluster shows you just about anything—a quick glance at the speed will tell who yourself where you are on your map/quad.
With Bluetooth support, the user can tap into another The true benefit of this new interface is that essential smart features such as turn-by-turn navigation and call notifications, along with music control over your rider smartphone resided behind protected handlebar mounted controls.
Modern electronic assists including dual channel ABS and traction control are rider safety benefits that work in the background cosy their way without tainting the very essence of what you came for.
